Voluntary peer review (VPR) is the second element of the continuing competency program. Recently revised in 2011, the Voluntary Peer Review (VPR) is a proactive professional development process that is intended to improve a member’s professional practice and confidence. It is not an audit. A member interested in a VPR can complete the process with one or more reviewers. Read the Voluntary Peer Review Overview document for a quick top-down look at VPRs.
Voluntary Peer Review Overview

Participation is Voluntary
This element of the continuing competency program is voluntary. Both practising and non-practising members are encouraged to participate. Members can participate in this element as either a reviewer or the person being reviewed.

Benefits of Participation

•	A VPR is an excellent tool to increase and/or maintain professionalism and can also serve to demonstrate professional competence to the public.
•	If you participate in the VPR as the member who is being reviewed, you will be exempt from completing a Mandatory Practice Review (MPR) for five years and if you do a VPR every five years, you will be permanently exempt from MPRs.
•	Both participants in a VPR can claim credits towards a Certificate of Professional Development.
•	VPR participants will also have their name entered into a draw for a chance to win a complimentary pass to the ABCFP annual forestry conference.

How Do I Complete a Voluntary Peer Review?
All the information required to participate in a VPR, as either the reviewer or the person who is being reviewed, is contained in the Voluntary Peer Review Guide which includes checklists and instructions that will help you complete the forms contained in the review.

Voluntary Peer Review Guide

Once you have read the guide, download the forms required to complete the review:
Voluntary Peer Review Forms (fillable PDF)

Don’t Send the VPR to the ABCFP
All the documents related to the peer review are confidential. These documents should not be submitted to the ABCFP.

Member who was reviewed
The member who has been reviewed should keep a copy of the VPR on file for six years. They will be required to present the VPR if they are selected for a practice review.

Member who conducted the review
The member who conducted the review should destroy all digital and paper evidence of their review and only submit Form 5: Peer Review Declaration of Completion to the ABCFP.

Volunteer to Conduct a Review
Contact the director, professional development and member relations to find out how you can volunteer to become a peer reviewer.

Brian Robinson, RPF
E-mail:

Find a Reviewer in Your Area
Contact one of the members listed below who live near you. These members have volunteered to conduct a VPR for members in their area.

Questions?
Contact Brian Robinson, RPF
Director, Professional Development and Member Relations
E-mail:

Other Forms & Publications
Discussion Paper: Peer Review Guide (December 2005)
Discussion Paper: Voluntary Peer Review Options (March 2005)
Final Report: A Continuing Competency Program for ABCFP Members

Additional Resources
Continuing Competency Program Element 1: Self-assessment
Continuing Competency Program Element 3: Practice Review

More Information
If you have any questions about the Continuing Competency program, contact the director, professional development and member relations.[more]